Coastland College comes together to mark Remembrance

Contingent Commander Chris Dooley takes the salute at Kingston Maurward

Students and staff across Coastland College came together this week to mark Remembrance, paying tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present.

Thoughtful ceremonies were held at both the Weymouth and Kingston Maurward campuses on Armistice Day (Tuesday), each reflecting on the meaning of remembrance and the enduring importance of peace.

At the Weymouth Campus, students gathered in the College Square to honour those who fought for freedom in the two World Wars and other conflicts. The ceremony featured moving speeches from Student Liaison Officer Peter Vowles, and Apprenticeship Manager Anthony Cowburn, both of whom shared powerful personal reflections.

Student Liaison Officer Peter Vowles speaks at the Weymouth campus about his experiences growing up in poster-war England

Mr Vowles spoke about growing up in post-war Coventry, a city rebuilt from devastation: “Out of all this destruction came an absolute determination for a new beginning, where nations worked together so war could never happen again.

“It’s so important we never lose that determination to create a better future for everyone, or forget the sacrifice made for us.”

Former Royal Engineer and Apprenticeship Manager at Coastland College, Anthony Cowburn, address staff and students at the Weymouth campus

He then introduced former Royal Engineer Anthony Cowburn, who served 27 years in the Armed Forces in conflicts including the Gulf, Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Anthony reflected on what remembrance means for today’s generation: “Remembrance Day isn’t about glorifying war. It’s about honouring sacrifice and recognising the human cost of conflict.

“Every generation has the chance to reflect on what remembrance really means for them. For those of us that served, it means remembering our friends – the people we trained with, worked with, and lost.

“For you, as students, it might mean thinking about what kind of world you want to build — and what part you can play in keeping peace alive.

‘Live with kindness’

At the Kingston Maurward Campus, near Dorchester, the whole college community joined together in a poignant parade led by horses from the Equine department, adorned with wreaths handmade by Floral Design students. The animals symbolised the many horses lost in both world wars and the ongoing role they play in military service today.

Students from the Combined Cadet Force and Military Preparation courses led the procession, followed by representatives from all curriculum areas. Wreaths were laid following speeches from Vice Principal Tom Hallam and Contingent Commander Chris Dooley.

Contingent Commander Chris Dooley addresses staff and students at the Kingston Maurward campus

In his address, Mr Hallam reflected on the estate’s own wartime history: “During the Second World War, Kingston Maurward played its own part in the nation’s efforts. Much of the parkland and estate was taken over by the military and used as an army camp and fuel depot.

“When peace finally returned, the estate found new purpose. In 1947, it was bought for use as a centre of land-based education – the beginning of the college we are proud to be part of today.

“From conflict came cultivation. From wartime service came a commitment to growth, learning, and rebuilding – values that continue to shape Coastland College and its community.

“As we remember, we also reflect on what their service means for us now. Peace is never something to be taken for granted. It asks us to live with kindness, purpose, and respect – and to use our education to make a positive difference in the world around us.”

Horses and students from the College’s Equine department took part in the Remembrance service